Deep-water search team from Turkey joins Cyprus ferry rescue effort

“Intervening at the seabed is not possible with the resources we currently have, but from tomorrow that intervention will be possible,” Erhurman told reporters on Monday.

It remained unclear whether any of those missing were trapped inside the vessel. Footage posted on social media appeared to show people still inside one of its compartments as others perched on the tip of the boat waiting for help.

The cause of the disaster is under investigation, though Turkish Cypriot authorities said the vessel had a valid seaworthiness certificate.

Witness accounts have said the ferry, a wide-bodied catamaran, was lurching violently before crashing back into the water, the impact tearing open part of its bow.

A court on Monday remanded nine people connected to the vessel’s operations in custody for three days to assist police inquiries.

(Writing by Michele Kambas; Editing by Andrew Heavens)